My Favorites

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

31 May 2011, A New Novel, Part 239 No One Can Control a DemonFor those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is a captive in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery. The Inquisitor Esposito came to speak to her about her defense...

The inquisitor chuckled at the last.Then his face turned serious again, “There is much to recommend these charges.”

“There are witnesses?”

“Yes, there are, but I am not privy to the case against you.I act as the advocatus reorum in your trial.I am to represent you and defend you from the charges of the inquisition.Both the promotor fiscalis and the judge is the Archinquisitor Gallo.He does not have to share this information with me, only the charges.”

Aksinya shrugged, “That doesn’t seem to make it a very fair trail.”

“Perhaps it is not.”

Frau Becker sneered, “It is not at all fair.What might be the punishment for such charges?”

“Excommunication and death could be the punishment, but death cannot be levied by an ecclesiastical court—it can only be recommended to a secular trial.”

Frau Becker wrung her hands, “You would kill her for this?”

“If she is guilty.”

Aksinya cocked her head, “You have not touched the most egregious sin I committed through sorcery.”

Inquisitor Esposito sat back, “And what would that be.”

“I called a demon from the depths of hell to be my servant.”

Frau Becker involuntarily scooted her chair back a little.Frau Mauer brought her hands up to her face.

The Inquisitor wrote on his pad, “Who was this demon?”

“It is the demon Asmodeus.”

“You have seen him?”

“He was the one who took my clothing from me in the cell.He was the reason I had to mark my clothing and the blankets with the crosses.He still torments me.”

“But he is your servant?”

“No one can control a demon.I brought him out of hell to protect my family.He ensured that they all died.He tempted me to take the Lady Natalya and to seduce Herr von Taaffe.”

“You called this demon into the house of the Cardinal?”

“I did not call him here.I can’t be rid of him.He comes and goes as he wills, but I am guilty for bringing him back to the world where he can tempt and harm others.”

The Inquisitor Esposito tells Aksinya there are witnesses to her crimes. Through this, I get to explain something about an ecclesiastical trial to you. The Inquisitor Esposito is the advocatus reorum, basically the defense attorney. The prosecuting attorney is the promotor fiscalis. The Archinquisitor Gallo is acting as both the judge and the prosecutor. The rules of an ecclesiastical trial are exactly as I have laid them out to you. As Aksinya notes: “That doesn’t seem to make it a very fair trail.” Frau Becker agrees with her.

Frau Becker wants to know the punishment that Aksinya might face. Excommunication and death we are told, but an ecclesiastical trial may not levy death. This is great for Aksinya except, after this trial, she will be arrested by the Austrian policemen for a secular trial.

Then the honest Aksinya (she has become disconcertingly honest--did you notice?) confesses to her greatest crime--she contracted a demon. Listen to Aksinya's new found wisdom: “No one can control a demon.I brought him out of hell to protect my family.He ensured that they all died.He tempted me to take the Lady Natalya and to seduce Herr von Taaffe.” Aksinya confesses to all the charges--do you note. To the inquisitor, this is unimportant, because the trial is indeed rigged against her.

So, Aksinya is in a pickle. She confessed to the charges. Things don't look bright for her. Tomorrow, more charges.

Monday, May 30, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is a captive in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery. The Inquisitor Esposito came to speak to her about her defense...

The inquisitor ignored her, “There are other charges.”

“These are?”

“The first is that you impersonated a member of the nobility.Do you have any proof that you are noble?”

“My passport.”

“Do you know where it is?”

“No.”

Inquisitor Esposito cleared his throat, “Can anyone vouch for you?”

“My aunt and uncle, the Freifrau and Freiherr Bockmann.The Freiherr is my mother’s brother.I am related to the Herzog Bockmann of Germany.”

The priest’s expression turned bleak, “They have both declined to testify either for or against you at trial.They are in the process of legally disowning you because of this incident.”

Aksinya lowered her head.Her voice was soft, “I understand.”She spoke more loudly, “What of the other charges?”

“There is a charge that you kidnapped and kept an apprentice to your sorcery, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.”

“That is true.I did.I am confessed.I harmed her soul and mind.”

Frau Becker and Frau Mauer gasped.

Father Esposito cleared his throat again, “Yes.”He turned away his head, “There is another charge that you seduced the mind and soul of a Herr Ernst von Taaffe, a member of the Austrian nobility.”

“I did that also.I am clearly at fault.”

The Frauen couldn’t hold back their gasp again.

In inquisitor continued, “The other charges relate to your use of sorcery.They are that you used sorcery to murder your family, steal the goods from the estate of Count Golitsyna, to cheat merchants in Wien, and to escape Russian justice.”

Aksinya’s eyes widened, “I did not murder my family, the Bolsheviks did that.I did not steal the things that belonged to me already, although I did use sorcery to bring them here to Austria.You can lay the charge of cheating on me.I did not know that was the case at the time.I am still culpable.Of Russian justice, I cannot speak.I’m not certain who rules Russia, the Bolsheviks, the nobility, or the Parliament.”

The inquisitor chuckled at the last.Then his face turned serious again, “There is much to recommend these charges.”

Now we get the full list of charges against Aksinya. They are many and devastating. She will have problems with just one of them, but there are many more than one. It would seem that someone who is privy to very private information about Aksinya proffered the charges. Can you guess who?

Do you see that Aksinya is unable to prove who she is? It is as if her identity and person were taken from her. Do you remember that she was so proud of her house and her nobility? Now she has neither. The demon has conspired to take away her very being in the world.

Things have gone so far that Aksinya's aunt and uncle are in the process of disowning her. They want nothing more to do with her. This is how far everything has come. Aksinya is an embarrassment to them, and the best way to get rid of an embarrassment is to make it go away. We do get more information about Aksinya. We find that she is related to a Duke in Germany. A Herzog is a German Duke.

The charges against Aksinya get worse and worse. She kidnapped and apprenticed Natalya. This could be a capital charge. Aksinya simply confesses to it. The degree of the charge is the reason for he response of the Frauen. The next charge is as bad. Aksinya seduced the mind and soul of Ernst. Aksinya acquiesces to this charge as well.

Then there are the charges of sorcery. Aksinya already confessed to sorcery, the charges just make everything worse. This is when we see the true fruit of Asmodeus' actions. Aksinya is accused of murder, theft, and flight from justice. These are capital charges.

Aren't you glad that Aksinya stands up for herself. She will not accept these false charges. She confesses to the use of sorcery, but not to murder, theft, and flight from justice. We also see the destruction that Asmodeus has wrought. He has brought on Aksinya a charge of theft in Wien. We know the charges are false from Russia, but there are charges from Wien.

The world in crashing down on Aksinya. She has little defense. The inquisitors will have a strong case against her--or will they? Tomorrow, more on the charges and defense.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery. Aksinya is recovering from her experience in the cold cell under the house. The Inquisitor Esposito comes to speak to her about her defense...

“This is the Inquisitor Esposito.I’m here to speak to the prisoner about her defense.”

Frau Becker nodded, and Frau Mauer opened the door.

The stocky priest inquisitor entered the room.He wore his usual priestly robes.Frau Becker stood.The priest walked up to the bed and cocked his head and observed Aksinya for a long moment.

He smiled and sat in the chair Frau Becker had left.“Sorry,” he didn’t sound sorry, “I just wanted to take a careful look at you.”

“Why?”

“I’ve never seen a sorceress like you.”

Frau Becker snorted, “Have you ever seen a sorceress at all?”

He glanced annoyed at Frau Becker, “Actually, no. Might I have a private discussion with the Fraulein?”

Frau Becker brought a chair from the small table and put it on the other side of the bed, “Actually, no.Frau Mauer and I will chaperone the Fraulein while you are here.”

Aksinya smiled, “Thank you very much, Frau Becker.”

The expression of the priest’s face didn’t change, “Very well, but if she must confess, you will have to move far enough away not to hear.”

Inquisitor Esposito took out his briefcase and pulled out some papers and a fountain pen, “Now Fraulein Golitsyna, you must realize the charges of the Church against you are very serious.”

“That I am guilty of sorcery, I confess.”

“You confess it?”

“Yes, I freely confess this.I already confessed sorcery along with all my acts against God to my Orthodox priest, Father Dobrushin.”Aksinya rushed ahead, “I would like to speak to Father Dobrushin.”

“That is not possible.”

“Why not?”

“He is Orthodox and not permitted at your trial.”

“I am Orthodox—does the same rule apply to me?”

The inquisitor ignored her, “There are other charges.”

So, we set the scene. You know the where and the when. The whos are defined except the new character. We have met him before, but I use a technique to remind you of that description. Therefore, he is the stocky priest. I give you an abbreviated description based on his previous description. This places him firmly in the scene and we can move forward from there. The conversation like most of the scenes in my novels drives the scene.

Notice, the inquisitor has never seen a sorceress before. He has to stare at Aksinya. This is an advanced writing technique that shows you this little fact. The conversation lets you know this information. The actions by the inquisitor are embarrassing to Aksinya and to the ladies in the room. His actions would never be allowed a cultured man in the society. They are allowed only because Aksinya isn't being treated like a person, but we knew that. You don't put young noblewomen in cold cells (or try them for sorcery).

Frau Becker is culturally aware--she will not let the priest act in a way that is not honorable. She will not allow him to be alone with Aksinya. Though the inquisitor thinks nothing of breaking cultural norms because Aksinya is a sorceress. He shows that he thinks she is already guilty as charged.

The inquisitor brings out his papers. This was one of his characteristics in the original description--the briefcase. Aksinya surprises the inquisitor by freely confessing to sorcery. She recounts that she has already confessed in the Orthodox Church, and she asks to speak to her confessor. The little play between Aksinya and the priest are meant to show how intelligent she is and to press the point of the authority of the Catholic Church to try her. It doesn't work, but it was worth a try. The inquisitor points out that there are other charges against Aksinya. We will learn those tomorrow.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery. Aksinya is recovering from her experience in the cold cell under the house. Frau Becker and Frau Mauer are her guards...

Aksinya finally woke again in the early afternoon.Frau Becker and Frau Mauer both stayed with her and kept a close eye on her.The moment Aksinya woke, she tried to get up, but she didn’t have the strength.The room was bright and warm.A coal fire burned in the fireplace.The bed was large and beautiful.Aksinya couldn’t see much more of the room than that at first.Frau Becker had food and tea for her.The two women helped Aksinya sit with some pillows behind her.Then Aksinya could see the rest of the place.It looked like a guest room in a fine house.

The women fed her and gave her tea.Aksinya tolled her rosary and then recited part of Matthew in Greek.Frau Becker and Frau Mauer didn’t know what to make of that.By the late afternoon, Frau Becker thought about calling for supper for them all when a knock came at the room’s door.

Frau Becker, at Aksinya’s side nodded toward Frau Mauer.Frau Mauer went to the door, “This is a private room under guard.Who is at the door?”

“This is the Inquisitor Esposito.I’m here to speak to the prisoner about her defense.”

Frau Becker nodded, and Frau Mauer opened the door.

Aksinya is still under guard, but her surroundings are much more pleasant. The Cardinal obviously decided that a dead sorceress would be difficult to explain to the inquisitors and to the Pope. She is in a guest room in the Cardinal's residence. They have provided her warmth and treated her so she will be alive for her trial.

I give you details of the care of Frau Becker. Frau Mauer could care less, but she doesn't want to lose her job.

Aksinya surprises her guards because she doesn't act like a sorceress. They expected her to be evil, and she doesn't act evil at all. She acts like a poor crazy girl who is caught up in something she can't fully understand. Then the Inquisitor Esposito comes to the door. He is here to speak to Aksinya about her defense. Tomorrow, we will see exactly what the Church has to say to Aksinya.

Friday, May 27, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is in the residence of the Cardinal of Wien awaiting an ecclesiastical trial for sorcery. To prevent Asmodeus from tormenting her, she drew crosses on her clothing and blankets with her own blood. Once she started the flow of blood, she couldn't stop it. Frau Becker saved her again...

Aksinya awoke in a bed.It was warm and comfortable, but she felt light headed.Someone held her hand.She turned her head and expected to see the Lady Natalya or at least Sister Margarethe.She tried to focus on the face near hers.

A weary voice spoke before Aksinya could identify the person, “Why did you try to kill yourself?”

Aksinya still couldn’t focus, “I didn’t try to kill myself.”

“But your wrist…”

“I had to put crosses on my things so he couldn’t take them again.”

“So who couldn’t take them again?”

“The demon…”

Frau Mauer’s voice came from the side, “You see, Frau Becker, I told you that’s what she said.She begged my thread and a needle to make crosses on her dress and the blankets.”

Frau Becker’s voice hardened, “And you wouldn’t lend them to her?”

Aksinya still could not focus her eyes well, “Frau Becker was the kind woman who gave me the blankets.I marked them well.”

“You almost bled to death.”

“Still, now the demon can’t take them from me.”Aksinya moved her free hand around under the covers.Frau Becker stroked her other hand.It felt numb and heavy.Aksinya gave a worried cry, “My dress and my blankets.”

Frau Becker’s voice was soothing beside her, “I dressed you in a nightgown.”

“Does it have crosses?”

“Yes,” Frau Becker lied.

“My blankets…?”

“Are you warm enough now?”

“Yes, thank you.”

There was a slight choke in Frau Becker’s voice, “Before you return to the cell, you will have your blankets.”

“The ones with the crosses.”

“Yes, the ones with the crosses.”

“Thank you.I feel very sleepy.As long as there are crosses, I will be safe.”

“I don’t care how crazy she is.She is in the Archbishop’s charge.Sew the crosses on her nightgown.”

“Yes, ma’am.”Frau Mauer gently pulled the edge of the nightgown from under the covers and carefully embroidered four crosses evenly spaced around the hem.Then she sewed them on the sleeves.By the time she was done, Aksinya was stirring and Frau Becker sent Frau Mauer down to the kitchen for food and tea.

I'll give you the revelation that I hope you already saw. If you didn't see it yourself, once I mention it to you, you will know its truth. I asked yesterday what could help Aksinya. She declared her true allegiance and the demon punished her. She is in dire straights: held for ecclesiastical trial, in a cold prison, her friends have appeared to desert her (do you remember what she said to Natalya: "everyone will betray or desert me."), she is trying to do the best she can by herself. There are no miracles here for Aksinya--or are there. In real life there are few miracles, but we see a small one before us.

Frau Becker has been a miracle for Aksinya. She rescued Aksinya twice. She did this even though she believes Aksinya to be insane. This is the revelation--it doesn't seem like much. It isn't a miracle at all, but it is real for Aksinya. It makes a difference for Aksinya.

In this scene, we see the initial scene setting. At first, I don't want you to know any more than Aksinya. You experience her waking in a bed. You wonder with her exactly where she is. She is light headed from blood loss. I don't need to tell you the reason, just the results. She imagines that she is back under the care of her friends, Natalya and Margarethe. We know that can't be. The first question is the one we dreaded: “Why did you try to kill yourself?” In the Catholic Church at the time, this was an important question. Aksinya is ambivalent. Aksinya is self destructive, but she has never thought about killing herself. She answers directly--she can't do otherwise.

That's when the full ramifications of Aksinya's apparent insanity strikes Frau Becker. Listen to Frau Becker's response. She isn't mad at Aksinya, whom she imagines to be insane. She is mad at Frau Mauer because the Frau wouldn't loan a needle and thread to a poor, insane, girl who was imprisoned for sorcery.

Don't you love Frau Becker? She is the kind of absolute pragmatist that puts real action to what she knows is right. She doesn't care about the accusations against Aksinya, she cares about Aksinya. This is the kind of reaction that is a firm contrast between the truth (we understand in the world of the novel) and the truth of the real world (represented by Frau Becker). Frau Becker's response to Aksinya is very different than Faru Mauer or the inquisitors. It is more akin to Father Dobrushin or Ekaterina. Yet, where Father Dobrushin and Ekaterina seem to believe Aksinya to a degree, Frau Becker does not. It is enough for Frau Becker to simply help someone she believes is helpless. I set up this character to show this for just this reason. Just as I gave you Father Makar to show you one who doesn't believe Aksinya, but who's compassion is stifled because he can't be compassionate for Aksinya, I wanted you to see someone who could have simple compassion for a person, not because of who they were, but because of their need.

Frau Becker doesn't care if Aksinya is insane--she berates Frau Mauer because she wouldn't help. This is a result of Frau Becker's pragmatism. That's the point of the entire conversation. This is the point all the way to the white lie Frau Becker tells to the insane girl to comfort her. I hope you like this lie because it does no harm, and immediately, Frau Becker acts to repair it. She orders Frau Mauer to sew crosses on the nightgown. Such a simple action that has such important meaning for a single pathetic girl. This is the true meaning of compassion, and do you see the extent of the revelation? Although Aksinya faced the torment of the demon. Although he own actions led to more problems. Still, she was saved, and she was provided a savior, a help if you like. Frau Becker was the one who helped. Tomorrow we shall see that she is even more help although she can't stop the freight train that is approaching.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Aksinya knows Asmodeus will return to torment her. Unless she can put crosses on her dress and blankets, he will take them from her. She uses her own blood to draw crosses on them. Unfortunately, she can't stop the blood once she started it...

Frau Mauer screamed and jumped up.Aksinya’s eyes closed and she slowly lay on the bench.The release of the pressure on her vein let the drip become a slow stream.Frau Mauer screamed again and ran toward the kitchen.

Frau Becker grabbed the kitchen axe from the wood pile and ran to the corridor that held Aksinya’s cell.The guards didn’t attempt to stop her.She glanced at Aksinya and the growing pool of blood and chopped at the lock on the door.The old wood splintered satisfactorily under the axe and the door swung open.Frau Mauer grabbed Aksinya’s wrist and immediately the flow of blood stopped.

Secretary Schwab followed by Otto stopped at the entrance to the cell.Frau Mauer didn’t wait for them to say anything, she yelled at them, “Get the doctor now.I’ve stopped the blood, but she may be dying.”

They almost trampled Frau Mauer as she hobbled down the corridor toward them.

This scene is very straightforward. The results of Aksinya's experiment are not good. She achieved the markings she wanted, but she couldn't stop the flow of blood. The demon couldn't imagine this result--could he. Whether he did or not, the result will be the same. It appears that Aksinya has tried to commit suicide. Although Frau Becker stopped the blood, what will the result be for Aksinya. It seems that she is slowly falling deeper and deeper in to a place that is impossible to recover from. Sad since she had the spiritual strength to face down the demon and pronounce her freedom from him. We see that she is not free from the demon. She has placed her trust in the right place, but Aksinya's problem is like all of ours. Do you remember Paul's great cry of dismay? "I do those things I don't wish to do and not those I know I should do." Still, can there be hope for Aksinya. If there is hope for her, perhaps there is hope for any of us. Tomorrow, she wakes.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Last night, Aksinya almost died of exposure because the demon took her dress. Now, she is back in her cell with warm blankets, but unless she can mark them with crosses, the demon could take them away...

Aksinya sat back and pouted.She felt much better, but she knew that wouldn’t last long if the demon returned and took her dress and the blankets from her again.She only knew one way to fight Asmodeus.She thought for a while about how she might put crosses on her clothing and the wonderfully warm blankets.After a long time, there was only one thing she thought she could use.Under the cover of the blankets, she began to prick at her hand with a sharp point of her rosary.After a few minutes she drew some blood and made a couple of satisfactory crosses on the hem of her dress.At that point, she couldn’t get much more blood without going deeper into her hand than she wanted to.She thought for a while then began to prick at the large vein at the side of her wrist.

She cut through and gave a slight gasp.She glanced up to see if Frau Mauer heard her.The old woman didn’t stop sewing.Aksinya was surprised at the amount of blood the little nick drew.With blood, she marked the collar and sleeves of her dress.Then quickly put crosses at the corners of the woolen blankets.When she was finished, she held the place on her wrist she nicked, but it wouldn’t stop bleeding.She had nothing to use as a bandage, and she was becoming a little faint.

Since she had marked everything, she thought it was safe to say something to the Frau.Aksinya cleared her throat and tried to speak.She couldn’t say anything at first and her sight began to dim.Finally, she forced out, “Frau Mauer.”

The old woman didn’t turn, “I’ll not give you any thread or a needle.You needn’t ask again.”

“Frau Mauer, I don’t need them anymore, but I might need some help.”

Frau Mauer leaned over and clucked her tongue.She turned toward Aksinya.Aksinya held out her arm.A bright drip of blood ran down her hand and dropped to the stone floor.It spattered into a growing puddle of blood on the ground.Frau Mauer screamed and jumped up.Aksinya’s eyes closed and she slowly lay on the bench.The release of the pressure on her vein let the drip become a slow stream.Frau Mauer screamed again and ran toward the kitchen.

Aksinya moves from one problem to the next. Do you see how the demon is still driving her even when he isn't present. There is a great allegory in this. You do recognize that Aksinya's actions are literally the only thing she can do. If she does not make crosses, the demon will take her dress again, and she will suffer greatly. She choses to use her own blood to protect herself. As a side note, Aksinya is selfish in this, just as all of us are selfish. She doesn't want pain and suffering. She doesn't want the demon to take her clothing and blankets. She doesn't want to be cold.

Unfortunately Aksinya makes a slight error. In her hurry to find some blood, she pricks too large a vein and she can't stop the flow of blood. I use some fun advanced writing techniques to show you what is happening. Plus, I interject a little humor.

Remember, Aksinya is cold. She is undernourished. She has only blankets and thin clothing. Although she isn't bleeding very much--it is enough to make a difference. Frau Mauer thinks Aksinya has tried to commit suicide. Do you imagine this might be part of the demon's plan? Suicide is an unforgivable sin for the Catholic Church. Aksinya's actions will appear to be a suicide attempt--or success. Tomorrow, more help?

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Aksinya almost died of exposure because the demon took her dress. Now, she is back in her cell with warm blankets, but the demon could take them away...

After Secretary Schwab, Otto, and Frau Becker departed, Frau Mauer took her position again beside the door.The moment Aksinya finished praying her rosary she felt better, she called to the Frau, “Frau Mauer, may I borrow a needle and thread?”

Frau Mauer took a quick glance at Aksinya.Aksinya sat on the bench wrapped in the blankets, “Of course you may not have a needle and thread.What would you want with something like that anyway?”

“I must put crosses on my dress.”

“Crosses on your dress?You are a strange one.”

“If I don’t he’ll just take it off me again.”

Frau Mauer stared at Aksinya and nervously fumbled her sewing, “Did you lie to the secretary and Frau Becker?Did some man molest you?”

“I may be crazy, but I need to put crosses on my clothing and on these blankets.”

“You shan’t get any needles or thread from me—not unless the Secretary himself instructs me.”Aksinya sat back and pouted.She felt much better, but she knew that wouldn’t last long if the demon returned and took her dress and the blankets from her again.She only knew one way to fight Asmodeus.She thought for a while about how she might put crosses on her clothing and the wonderfully warm blankets.After a long time, there was only one thing she thought she could use.Under the cover of the blankets, she began to prick at her hand with a sharp point of her rosary.After a few minutes she drew some blood and made a couple of satisfactory crosses on the hem of her dress.At that point, she couldn’t get much more blood without going deeper into her hand than she wanted to.She thought for a while then began to prick at the large vein at the side of her wrist.

Frau Mauer is Aksinya's guard again. Aksinya asks for a needle and thread, but Frau Mauer won't loan them to her. Aksinya tells the Frau exactly why she needs the needle and thread. Do you remember, the effect of the crosses on the demon. The crosses did prevent Asmodeus from removing Aksinya's clothing. She knows they can protect her in the cell.

Frau Mauer's thoughts are not pleasant. She can't imagine anything good about Aksinya. Do you see that her reaction and the reaction of Frau Becker will be the reaction of everyone else. If Aksinya imagines a demon, she must be crazy.

Since Aksinya can't get Frau Mauer to give her a needle and thread, she must discover another way to protect herself. Aksinya is used to using blood as a sacrifice. This time, she is using blood to protect herself, but it isn't through a spell. She is using blood to make crosses on her clothing and blankets. Aksinya may be resourceful, but she just is too innocent and naive. Tomorrow, success, but at what price.

Monday, May 23, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Frau Becker is helping Aksinya to recover from exposure. She learns that Aksinya is to be tried for sorcery...

Very quickly Otto returned with a tray that contained wheat mush, cheese, bread, and tea.Frau Becker placed it on the bench.Aksinya’s eyes were closed.Frau Becker tried to hand Aksinya a spoon to eat the wheat mush.Aksinya couldn’t hold it, so the frau fed her and held the tea for her.After a while, Aksinya was able to hold the spoon on her own.She had to grasp it in her fist, but she could get it to her mouth.She ate everything on the tray.

Frau Becker collected everything and returned it to the tray.Aksinya had already pulled out her rosary.She began to pray the decades.Frau Becker stared at her. Aksinya glanced up in embarrassment, “I did not pray before I ate.I couldn’t finish my prayers last night.Thank you very much for taking care of me.”

Frau Becker stepped out of the cell.She was the last one to leave.Secretary Schwab locked the door and pocketed the key.

Before Frau Becker departed, she gave the secretary a stern look, “Anyone who would try this girl is insane.Keep her warm and feed her or this will happen again.Keep the men away from her, or something worse will happen.”

Otto returns with food for Aksinya. Eats with Frau Becker's help then she begins to pray her rosary. Do you see how out of character this is for a sorceress. Still, at the end, they lock Aksinya back in her cell. We see that Aksinya has won a friend. She didn't try to, but her new persona, and her natural strength make Frau Becker feel pity for Aksinya. The Frau gives a final warning. This is the kicker for the end of chapter 17. Tomorrow, the beginning of chapter 18 and scene setting.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Asmodeus visited Aksinya in the depths of the night and took her dress. In the morning, the woman guard finds Aksinya unresponsive...

Otto returned with four hot water bottles and two blankets.The woman wrapped the blankets around Aksinya and put the hot water bottles in the layers. She put the warmers under the blankets but where they wouldn’t touch and burn Aksinya’s skin.She and Frau Mauer rubbed Aksinya’s chilled hands and feet.

Aksinya gave a moan and tried to sit up.The woman’s voice was very kind, “Don’t get up.Don’t move for a little.”

Aksinya whimpered, “It hurts.”

“Aye, it does hurt.”

Aksinya squeezed her eyes shut then opened them wide, “Who are you?”

The woman smiled, “I’m Frau Becker.”

Aksinya moaned again and began to shiver, “It really hurts.”

“Why did you take off your dress?”

Aksinya groaned, “I didn’t take it off.”

“Were you molested?”

Aksinya didn’t reply.

Frau Becker turned toward Secretary Schwab, “You need to question the guards.The girl was attacked in the Archbishop’s own home.”

Aksinya gritted her teeth, “They didn’t molest me.”

“…But your dress.”

Aksinya let out her breath, “You would not believe me anyway.I am here to be tried.No one molested me.”

“Tried, surely you aren’t the one.”

“I am the one.”

Frau Becker stared at Secretary Schwab, “This isn’t a joke is it, Schwab?I’ve heard the rumors.This girl is to be tried as a sorceress?”

Secretary Schwab shrugged.

Aksinya was shivering a little less, “I am a sorceress.That is why they locked me up.”

Frau Becker’s gentle hands didn’t stop rubbing Aksinya’s.She mumbled, “Then you are not fully sane.They put a poor crazy girl in a cell and are going to try her for sorcery.Does the Archbishop think this is the Fifteenth Century?”

Aksinya tried to smile, “I am perhaps not sane, but I am a sorceress.”

Frau Becker gave Aksinya a very sad look then she turned to the secretary’s servant, “Get some food and hot tea.Bring sugar and milk.”

Frau Becker is doing her best to help Aksinya. Aksinya finally wakes. Frau Becker and Frau Mauer are rubbing Aksinya's hands and feet to help the circulation return. Frau Becker is very kind. Aksinya is in pain.

Frau Becker wants to know why Aksinya took off her dress. What she really wants to know is whether Aksinya was molested. Aksinya knows she can't tell the truth--no one would believe her. So she says nothing. That's when Frau Becker learns that Aksinya is "the one."

Everyone has heard rumors in the Cardinal's house, but Frau Becker didn't expect to come face to face with the prisoner. Then we see Frau Becker's conclusion--this is everyone's conclusion: Aksinya isn't sane. How will Aksinya fair in a trial? How will she get through the next night? Tomorrow, at least she gets breakfast.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Asmodeus visited Aksinya in the depths of the night and took her dress. In the morning, the woman guard finds Aksinya unresponsive...

At the cell door, the secretary took one look inside and turned his face away.With his face averted, he unlocked the door and pushed the kitchen mistress, Frau Becker, inside, “See if she is alive.”He handed the blanket to her.

Frau Becker paused a moment but the look on the secretary’s face drove her more than any words.She laid the blanket over Aksinya’s naked body, and put her face close to the girl’s.The woman called over her shoulder, “She’s still breathing.”

“Thank God,” exclaimed the secretary.“What’s wrong with her?”

“What did you expect?She’s naked and freezing.”

“What should we do?”

The woman tucked the woolen blanket around Aksinya’s body, “It’s too cold in here for a thin girl like her.Bring warmers and hot water bottles.Hot tea and food later.”She stated almost accusingly, “Where are her clothes.Was she molested?”

Frau Mauer called from the corridor, “Her dress is out here on the floor.”

“Bring it to me.”

The secretary nodded at Otto, “Get warmers and hot water bottles.Go now.”

Frau Mauer brought the dress to the open cell door.Frau Becker barked at her, “Frau Mauer, bring that here and help me dress her.”

Frau Mauer grumbled, but entered the cell, “She did it herself.I’m sure.”

The woman began to pull the dress over Aksinya’s head, “Secretary Schwab, this dress is too light for this place.Did you want her to die from exposure?”

He stared accusingly at Frau Mauer, “The girl was fine when she came here.”

“She is certainly not fine now.”They pulled the dress over the rest of Aksinya’s body.Frau Becker held her close and rubbed her hands.

Otto returned with two coal packed metal warmers, “The hot water bottles are being filled.”

“Go back and tell them to bring them right away.”

He nodded to the kitchen head.

She stopped him, “Bring another two blankets.”

“Yes.”He ran back down the corridor.

Frau Becker laid Aksinya down again and placed a warmer near her head and one near her feet.The kitchen head ordered Frau Mauer, “Take off her shoes and rub her feet.”

Frau Mauer jumped, “Her feet?”

“I’ll do if it you won’t.Here, take her hands and be gentle.When the circulation returns she will be in great pain.”

Frau Mauer shook her head, “I’ll rub her feet.I don’t want to be that close to her.”

In this scene, the overtones of the times play out wonderfully. The secretary turns his face away from the naked Aksinya. His actions are for her dignity and his temptation. What a perfect balance of one and the other. He sends Frau Becker, the kitchen mistress, to check on Aksinya.

Aksinya's life is important to the Cardinal for a couple of reasons. He isn't a bad man, but he has inquisitors in his city and his house. He doesn't want to bring the wrath of the Pope on him--who knows they might investigate him. The other reason is that the Cardinal doesn't wish to have a young woman, even a sorceress, die in his custody. We will see the result of this care later.

I'm still playing the humor, but when we find that Aksinya is indeed alive, I can bring it out a little stronger. The secretary asks a dumb question, and Frau Becker responds:“What did you expect?She’s naked and freezing.”

I love observations from other characters. They bring great depth to the writing. This is exactly what we get from Frau Becker's impression of Aksinya: “It’s too cold in here for a thin girl like her." Then the question: "Was she molested?” This seems innocuous to us, but in this time, it is a big deal. We know Aksinya was not molested, but they don't. The problem with such an idea, is that it would ruin Aksinya's reputation even more. Not to mention the black mark on the Cardinal's house. You know the demon had this in mind the entire time.

I give you details of the flurry they make in helping Aksinya. They dress her and we get Frau Becker's impression that the dress is too think for the environment. As I mentioned, I give details of the no nonsense way Frau Becker takes care of warming Aksinya. She warns about the returning circulation--ouch. Can't you see the demon's plan. He doesn't wish Aksinya to die--he wishes to torment her. If she died, the exquisite suffering of the upcoming revelations would fall flat. If she died, she couldn't experience the pain of returning circulation. The demon is about torture not just temptation. Tomorrow, more treatment for Aksinya.

Friday, May 20, 2011

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Aksinya is locked in a cold dark cell under the residence of the Cardinal of Wien. Asmodeus visited Aksinya in the depths of the night. He told her, again, his purpose was to ruin her life. He left her naked in the cold...

In the morning, the old woman came to the cell door and tried to rouse Aksinya, “Sorceress.”She knocked against the wooden frame with her stick.Aksinya didn’t move.In the early morning darkness she squinted at Aksinya, “Sorceress, where is your dress?”She struck the wood harder, “Wake up, sorceress.I have your breakfast.”Still Aksinya didn’t move.The old woman hobbled back up the corridor.She cried for the guards.They wouldn’t enter the corridor—they had been warned by the Archbishop’s secretary not to enter it for any reason.The women in the kitchens ignored her.She finally made her way up to the archbishop’s secretary’s office.She lifted her stick and thought better of it then she tapped hesitantly at the door with her fist.The door immediately opened.The secretary’s servant stood there with a surprised look on his face.When he recognized the visitor, his look turned to anger.The old woman curtsied a little crookedly.

The servant was about to shut the door, but the old woman stuck her stick in the jam, “I need help…the prisoner.”

The secretary’s voice came from the depths of the room, “What is wrong, Otto?”

“It is Frau Mauer.”

“What does she want?She has her instructions.She is neglecting the Cardinal’s prisoner.”

Frau Mauer curtsied as deeply and evenly as she could, “Sir, I think the prisoner is dead.She is naked in her cell, and she won’t wake.”

The secretary rushed to the door, “Naked, dead.This cannot be.I instructed you to care for her.If something happens to her, the Pope’s inquisitors will be down on our heads.Do you wish that?”

“You told me not to open the cell door.”

“I told you to watch her carefully.”He snarled, “Otto, get a kitchen woman and come with me.There can be no delay.”He motioned to Frau Mauer, “You come with us too.”They started down the steps toward the basements.“How long has it been since you found her?”

Frau Mauer was breathless, “I tried to get the guards to help, then the kitchen women.No one would help, that’s why I came right to you.”He glanced at his pocket watch, “Dear God, frau, it is already seven and you were to serve her at six.Already an hour.Quickly.”He moved more quickly.They paused at the kitchens to retrieve a blanket and a lantern.Secretary Schwab called for Frau Becker, the mistress of the kitchen, and she followed them past the guards, where the secretary collected the key to the cell, and then into the corridor.

The demon didn't have to torment Aksinya, the world itself did that. Without any clothing in the middle of a cold winter, in a cold basement, the outcome was almost predetermined. Perhaps Aksinya is dead.

The old woman, whom we learn is Frau Mauer hobbles to get help. She can't find anyone to help her and ends up at the quarters of the Cardinal's secretary. Do you remember the Cardinal's secretary. I introduced you to him at the Advent party. I specifically mentioned in that commentary that we would meet him again.

We also get to meet Otto, the servant of the Cardinal's secretary. Still, Frau Mauer's information gets immediate attention. The great fear is that the Pope's inquisitors might lose their sorceress. I played much of this with a touch of humor. Not too much--the idea of a young woman dying from the cold in a cell is too serious for much humor, but for the same reason, the tension needs a little break.

You can see the humor in the approach to the problem as conceived by the secretary. He gets a lantern and a blanket. If Aksinya is dying of cold, that's likely not nearly enough. Luckily, he will have help: Secretary Schwab called for Frau Becker, the mistress of the kitchen, and she followed them past the guards, where the secretary collected the key to the cell, and then into the corridor.

About Me

L. D. Alford is a novelist whose writing explores with originality those cultures and societies we think we already know. His writing distinctively develops the connections between present events and history—he combines them with threads of reality that bring the past alive. L. D. Alford is familiar with technology and cultures—he is widely traveled and earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University, a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Dayton, and is a graduate of Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, and the USAF Test Pilot School. L. D. Alford is an author who combines intimate scientific and cultural knowledge into fiction worlds that breathe reality. He is the author of three historical fiction novels: Centurion, Aegypt, and The Second Mission, and three science fiction novels: The End of Honor, The Fox’s Honor, and A Season of Honor.